I love the word “super.” I find myself saying it all the time.
When checking out of my hotel this week:
Front Desk Staff: “You’re all set Ms. Spence.”
Me: “Super! Thanks so much.”
Also this week, I finished the book, Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg and read an article about “The Power of Supercitizens” from
. Fun coincidence that has brought “super” top of mind.I love the word because it feels fun, energetic, special, full of possibility. It echos of playfulness and youth. Think: superpowers, superheroes, supernatural, superstar.
Super’s Meaning:
Super means "especially," "very" and "something extra." Super is not meant to describe the best, it’s not superlative (ha!) or focused on outcomes, rather it emphasizes how we are feeling or how we are engaging with a certain emotion or concept. Super connotes a subtle yet significant different than other words in the same genre. Excellent hints of evaluation or judgement. It feels focused on achievement. Amazing is hyperbolic and implies surprise or awe. But, super is accessible. It's versatile and can be used as a prefix or standalone.
Super in Context:
As I read about supercommunicators, I learned about people who are exceptionally (either learned or naturally) good at connecting with others through artful conversation. They understand what kind of conversation they are engaged in, can match people’s mood and energy and invite feelings of belonging. They listen and respond in ways that seek to understand. Some people are super at this naturally but others can become so.
When we apply “super” to people, as in the case of citizens, we identify people who positively impact those around them. They possess an energy that makes things happen and has impact.
In the last week, I have had several conversations with folks about what we can do as individuals to better our world, our country, our communities. With so many things out of our immediate control, like government policies and climate concerns, it’s easy to feel helpless, resigned to enduring our current state until things change. But we have more power than we think. Getting involved in our communities on issues we care deeply about can positively impact others while also boosting our own physical, mental and social well-being. Brian Klaas outlines why volunteering is so helpful in his essay about Supercitizens. I won’t recap it here. The piece is absolutely worth a read and a share. (Here it is again.)
We can be super by simply showing up for others and engaging in places and with people we care about. Once you get over the initial inertia, a little effort can go a long way. And the effort doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming for the reward to make you feel super.
At some point in our lives, we stop imagining ourselves as superheroes with superpowers, but we all possess something we uniquely excel at. To prove this, give yourself one minute. Imagine a handful of people in your life. Don’t think too hard, pick those who immediately come to mind. What are their super traits?
My quick assessment:
I have a friend with incredible intuition - she sometimes knows what people are thinking and feeling even before they do.
One of my friends excels at asking questions - getting you to explore your emotions and ideas in ways I never thought possible.
Another, beautifully holds space for people - giving them just what they need to feel safe.
And another fosters a deep sense of comfort and belonging with whomever they meets.
Now think about your “super.” What is that thing, no matter how small, that gives you something extra? What would happen if you leaned into this “superness,” wore it like a cape? If we all did this, took a moment to acknowledge and live our super, we could build a pretty incredible world.
As I write this, I am on an airplane and a flight attendant just popped over the loud speaker to welcome us onboard. In doing so, he described his fellow flight attendants as “super-fantastic.” I smiled.
How appropriate.